At University Baptist Church, we believe that:

GOD is The Supreme Being and is holy, righteous, omnipotent, omniscient and loving. He exists in the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Spirit. He created and sustains the universe. He desires that we have a personal relationship with Him and makes that available to us through belief in His son, Jesus Christ, the only means of eternal salvation.

The HUMAN CONDITION is one of sinful nature and will lead to death and eternal separation from God outside of faith in Christ. We cannot lead lives fully pleasing to God short of belief in and a relationship with Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The human soul has life in a physical body until that body dies, then the soul's eternal state is cast by free will choice made during the physical life, with God as judge, into eternal darkness or into eternal Light.

JESUS CHRIST, the Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, led a holy, sinless life, and willingly died on the cross as payment for our sins. He was crucified at the hands of men, died (clinically and completely), and was raised up by the power of God after three days. He walked the earth again to inspire humankind with his Power and was taken up to heaven alive, where He sits at the right hand of God. He is alpha and omega, existing at the beginning of time and forever. We are reconciled as individuals to God through faith in Him.

We recognize the HOLY SPIRIT as a Person ever present with believers as a group and as individuals. He is Comforter and Counselor, who revealed the nature and will of God to believers and gives us spiritual gifts called forth for serving Him, one another and the world.

The HOLY BIBLE is the inspired word of God. Its word is timeless and written for all of humankind. For believers, the Bible is central to personal devotional study, worship and teaching and remains as the foundation for belief and the final authority in faith and practice. We acknowledge that people struggle at times with interpretation and application, and on occasion those of equal maturity and depth of faith and commitment may have different interpretations on some matters.

BAPTISM by immersion is seen as the Biblical means for expressing one's faith in and commitment to Christ. While baptism is not required for membership in our church, we hold that it is a matter of obedience to the teaching and example of Jesus. We understand baptism symbolically to represent new life (being made clean) through the washing away of sins, and identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

The LORD'S SUPPER is celebrated monthly as a congregational communion. Participation is not limited to our local congregation or to those who are Baptists, but open to all believers who profess Christ as Lord and Savior.

The PURPOSE AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH, among many things, is to gather in God's name to praise and worship Him, to be a community of believers for fellowship and mutual burden-bearing, to edify the body of Christ, and to bear witness of Him to the world. The church is responsible for sharing the good news of Christ locally and throughout the world as led specifically by God, and to show His love by doing good works in the name of Christ.

The ROLE OF LAITY is to use personal talents, skills, and spiritual gifts for the building up of one another and the Church, and for the glory of God. We exist in community, each member being personally equal before God while bringing different gifts and contributions to the Body.

The ROLE OF PASTOR is to bring spiritual leadership in helping members develop deeper faith and understanding of God and live out their commitments in practical, meaningful ways. He represents the church in a number of external matters as well as providing encouragement, nurture, and teaching to members, friends, and visitors. The minister should help direct the church in fulfilling its mission, and make the good news of salvation in Christ known to others.

Our SUPPORT OF AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES/USA provides fellowship and cooperation with other churches in the denomination, allows for a collective voice, and enhances opportunities for worldwide mission. We value this relationship as an important resource for advice, communication with other churches, and educational programs and materials. Consistent with Baptist tradition, we are not bound to support all programs and policies of ABC/USA but value both church autonomy and voluntary denominational cooperation.

Our RELATIONSHIP TO ECUMENICAL WITNESS arises from the belief that many groups in worldwide Christianity honor the cause of Christ. It is our opportunity to fellowship with other denominations and groups in advancing the Kingdom. In these relationships, though some differences in doctrine and practices may exist, we maintain our belief in God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, give liberty in the non-essentials and seek to bear witness to the Triune God. We hope in our witness and activities that others may hear a new word, that our own faith may be deepened, and that unbelievers will find a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Our beliefs are consistent with the rendering of:

THE APOSTLES' CREED I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; the life everlasting. Amen.

Last Updated: November 2008